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The Galapagos Islands marine reserve is made up of 19 islands and more than 40 islets off the coast of South America. In 1978, its biodiversity prompted UNESCO to honor the Galapagos Islands as the first World Heritage Site. Its ecosystem developed in such isolation that Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution largely on the basis of his 1835 visit there.

Getting There and Back

The Galapagos Islands are a province of Ecuador located about 600 miles from the coast of the mainland. To get there, you will need to fly from either Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador, to one of two airports in the Galapagos -- on the islands of Baltra or San Cristobal. You will need to pay an entrance fee to get into Galapagos National Park. Return travel to international destinations most likely will require an overnight stay in Guayaquil or Quito.

When to Go

Although they straddle the equator, the Galapagos Islands enjoy a subtropical climate that is warm but usually not hot. The islands experience two distinct seasons -- the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from January to June and usually is marked by afternoon showers rather than all-day rainfall. During the July to December dry season, clouds often fill the sky, but significant rainfall is rare. Average temperatures range from 66 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (19 to 30 degrees Celsius), so pack light clothing and be sure to bring insect repellent. If you travel during the rainy season (the tourist high season), be sure to book your reservations early and prepare for crowds.

Sightseeing

Most visitors choose to explore the islands on cruises of varying lengths. Larger cruise ships offer luxury to up to 200 passengers, and their structural stability appeals to travelers who are prone to motion sickness. Smaller ships, sometimes holding fewer than a dozen passengers, can approach the shore much more closely, allowing more shore excursions. Scuba diving in the Galapagos offers abundant chances for underwater wildlife-watching, so divers should make sure the ship they choose offers diving excursions.

Wildlife

The Galapagos ecosystem includes many species found nowhere else in the world. The most common animals spotted by tourists are seals, sea lions, sea turtles, tortoises, penguins, whales, sharks and many species of birds. The wildlife displays such a curiosity and lack of fear of humans that they often approach tourists. Bring a good camera, but do not let the animals come closer than about 10 feet from you.

Land-Based Trips

It is possible to book land-based tours of the Galapagos at prices that are significantly lower than cruise ship tours. If you select a land-based tour, you will spend the night in a hotel, board a boat every morning, visit various islands and return to your hotel every evening. The main disadvantage of land-based tours is the time it takes to get to various island destinations and back to your hotel every evening, leaving less time for you to explore.

References

About the Author

David Carnes has been a full-time writer since 1998 and has published two full-length novels. He spends much of his time in various Asian countries and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. He earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.